Chapter 160

Chapter 160

[After Zhu Yuanzhang Returned to the Great Ming – 11]

Lin Lanyi curved her lips, barely suppressing her laughter.

Father Lin and Second Madam Lin found nothing amusing. Their faces changed. “Your Highness, that must not happen!”

Second Madam Lin already knew pleading with ironhearted Prince Lu was useless. She turned mournfully to Lin Lanyi, hoping the girl would honor her promise and intercede because she had confessed honestly.

Father Lin also recognized the true priority. He threw himself before his niece. “Lanyi, didn’t you say you would show leniency if your aunt told the truth? As for Hefeng and me-one is your own uncle, the other your cousin and the Lin Family’s only heir. Will you truly send us to our deaths?

“Your aunt did foolish things, but I never wronged you. Had I known she touched your mother’s dowry and your father’s silver, how could I have ignored it? We are closest kin. You cannot condemn us all together!”

Lin Lanyi shook her head in disappointment. “Even now, Uncle, you have not spoken one honest sentence.”

He looked confused.

“My maternal family came several times and quarreled over Mother’s dowry. You were working at the government office, but I don’t believe you never heard of such a scandal. When you returned, did you ask a single question?

“True, Aunt is your wife and my elder. Before knowing the facts, you could not judge hastily. A man disciplines his son before the hall and counsels his wife beside the pillow. Yet I waited without receiving one explanation. You ignored the matter completely.

“Did you truly know nothing? Or did you believe I was helpless and could only swallow the loss? Perhaps you knew Aunt used the money for your family of three, making you a beneficiary, so you silently permitted it.”

Father Lin lowered his head in shame.

“Do not think yourself so clever or everyone else a fool. Did you imagine that letting Aunt commit every evil would leave you clean and respectable? She shares no blood with me. Without marrying you, what connection would she have to the Lin Family? You, my own uncle, wore a mask of fairness and affection while hiding behind a woman to shoot secret arrows. That is true hypocrisy and cold-blooded calculation!”

Exposed, Father Lin shouted in humiliation, “Enough! Stop!”

“Enough for you, perhaps. Not for me.”

Lin Lanyi stood over him. “Did you truly not know Aunt moved the silver Father left? More than a hundred thousand taels could not have been entirely under her control. She needed your consent.”

“Stop!” His face turned purple. “I told you to stop!”

She ignored him. “And Cousin-the noble Young Master Hefeng! He heard Grandmother’s final arrangements and stood outside when she died. A gifted scholar who passed the provincial examination before twenty noticed nothing suspicious?

“Then there is the money for marrying Madam Tao. Publicly, the Lin Family contributed one hundred fifty thousand taels. In truth, it contributed two hundred fifty thousand. Did neither you nor Cousin wonder where it came from? Why did no one speak?”

Sweat poured from Father Lin. Second Madam Lin crawled over to support him and shrieked, “Stop talking!”

“Why should I?” Tears filled Lanyi’s eyes, burning with hatred. “You live in my home! Father let you remain because he valued brotherly harmony and Mother was virtuous. How did you repay their only daughter? You fed on my flesh and drank my blood. You knew I could not resist or expose the scandal, so you tried to devour me completely. You, Lin Hefeng, and your wife are an entire family of ungrateful beasts!”

In more than ten years under one roof, Father Lin had never seen her so emotional. Fear and resentment mingled in him. “Lanyi, are you truly so heartless that you feel no family affection?”

Her face gradually calmed. “Weren’t you the first to discard family affection? You did the deed on the first day. How can you blame me for answering on the fifteenth?”
Zhu Yuanzhang sat with folded arms and sneered. His gaze grew increasingly hostile.

The Lin couple’s hearts plunged into an abyss.

She would not help them.

She truly was this heartless!

With his last hope gone, Father Lin abandoned his benevolent mask. Pointing at Prince Lu, he spat, “Lin Lanyi, have you lost your mind? You think Prince Lu sincerely cares for you? He only covets the Lin Family’s fortune! You think you’ve climbed a high branch, unaware disaster is at hand.

“Yes, your aunt and I coveted your parents’ property. But at least we remembered our blood ties and never intended to kill you. Prince Lu is an imperial prince of the highest rank, while you have no maiden family to support you. Someday he will devour you until not even your bones remain. Then heaven and earth will ignore your pleas, and regret will come too late!”

“You’re courting death!” Zhu Yuanzhang surged up furiously, but Lin Lanyi raised a hand to stop him.

She sat again and scoffed. “Do you think everyone is as petty and greedy as you? Prince Lu is an imperial prince. Would he lack money? If he were so desperate, could the Tao Family have concealed a debt of more than six hundred thousand taels for so long? If it were you, a mere six thousand taels uncollected would keep you awake all night. Don’t judge His Highness by your own narrow heart!”

Zhu Yuanzhang leaned proudly against his chair. “Exactly!”

Lanyi continued, “Given his rank and blood relationship to the Reigning Emperor, if he wanted money, no imperial merchant in Luoyang could escape. Yet who has ever heard of Prince Lu plundering rich merchants? The Lin Family is poorer than those households and holds official status besides. Why would he ignore the fat prey nearby to gnaw our meatless bone? Your own stupidity does not make His Highness stupid.”

“Exactly!” Zhu Yuanzhang agreed happily. “Exactly!!!”

His voice grew more impassioned while the Lin couple’s faces turned grayer.

Lin Lanyi said mockingly, “The Lin fortune cannot interest him, and my appearance is hardly peerless. If not for Mother’s agreement with the late Princess Consort and His Highness’s devotion to his word, why enter this mess? Prince Lu’s line has ruled its fief in Luoyang for years without interfering in local government. He made an exception today solely for me. He honored his promise and sheltered me from the storm. Calling such a man unworthy of lifelong trust would be the greatest absurdity under heaven!”

“No, that’s wrong!”

This time Zhu Yuanzhang did not agree. He stared earnestly at his old wife’s face and declared at enormous volume, “To me, you are the most beautiful girl in the world!!!”

Lin Lanyi froze, then laughed. She covered her mouth, but the smile continued pouring from her curved eyes.

Zhu Yuanzhang stared and began grinning foolishly too.

The Lin couple: “???”

How had this accidentally made their romance perfect?!

Half dead with rage, Father Lin tried the opposite tactic. “Your Highness, don’t be deceived by my niece. She looks pitiful, but she is no innocent! You know what happened today. Even without you, she would not have suffered. She knew my wife’s plan but neither exposed nor avoided it. She deliberately let my wife think the trap had succeeded, then trapped her in return. Such calculation at her age!”

Zhu Yuanzhang ignored him and gazed tenderly at Lanyi. “You must have suffered greatly to become so cautious and plan every step. Don’t worry. I will treat you well. With me here, you need fear nothing!”

Moved, Lin Lanyi nodded solemnly. “All right. I believe you.”

Father Lin: “???”

He tried again. “How did a sheltered maiden contact her father’s former confidants? She hides everything beneath the surface while calculating constantly!”

Lin Lanyi smiled.

Father Lin’s throat tasted of blood. He unleashed his final weapon. “When she incited her maternal family to make trouble, she forced my wife to expel a dowry servant’s entire household. They later fell ill and died on the streets. Those were living people!”

“So what?!” Zhu Yuanzhang’s brows rose ferociously. “Your wife’s servants merely lost their lives. Our Lanyi was deeply troubled by the whole affair!!!”

Father Lin: “???”

Before he could continue, Zhu Yuanzhang kicked him. “Enough! I’ve endured you long enough! Drag them out and flay them. Flay them all!!!”

Father Lin stared speechlessly. Estate attendants gagged and dragged him away. Second Madam Lin joined him, the married couple becoming fellow sufferers in disaster.
As for Second Madam Lin’s maiden nephew and the servants involved, they required even less discussion.

Zhu Yuanzhang’s anger had not subsided. “Arrest their son as well and take him out to be flayed. Bring the woman he just married too!”

Even then, he remembered the Tao Family. “The Taos owed me over six hundred thousand taels. They repaid it, but used Lin Family money. And Lin Family money belongs to my Princess Consort, which means her money is my money. So the damned Tao Family used my money to repay a debt they owed me? In their dreams!”

Murder shone in his eyes. “The Lin Family contributed two hundred fifty thousand taels. Visit the Taos and make them cover the shortfall. Otherwise… heh.”

His subordinate accepted the order. The Magistrate of Luoyang and Madam Wu broke into cold sweat.

Madam Wu had no close ties to either family and had no intention of speaking. She was already planning how to explain matters to her husband and strengthen today’s connection with Lin Lanyi before the girl became Princess Consort of Lu.

The Magistrate, however, had a headache.

“Your Highness,” he began cautiously, “the Lin couple offended the future Princess Consort and deserve death. But if Lin Hefeng and his wife are also flayed, I fear…”

Zhu Yuanzhang’s eyes flashed. “Fear what?”

The Magistrate lowered and softened his voice. “I fear it may damage Your Highness’s reputation.”

Old Zhu had never cared about reputation. He was about to answer when Lin Lanyi gently called, “Your Highness. I have something to say.”

His face eased. “Speak, Lanyi.”

“Aunt’s crimes are supported by clear evidence. Uncle was negligent. Though he surely knew what she did, there is no proof that he participated.”

“No matter,” Zhu Yuanzhang said. “Torture him later. Whatever evidence we want, he’ll confess to it.”

He sighed inwardly. *If only my Embroidered Uniform Guard were here!*

Lin Lanyi and the emperors: “…”

“Your Highness!” Her half-reproachful call shook his heart.

He relented. “Then what do you propose?”

“Punish Aunt as the principal criminal. Punish Uncle for indulging his wife in stealing his niece’s property, mismanaging his household, and failing in filial and fraternal duty. Cousin knew Grandmother’s wishes but ignored them for personal benefit. He knew his parents stole my inheritance and did nothing. Strip his degree. As for his wife, she only recently married into the family and likely knew nothing. Punishing her would be an undeserved calamity.”

After a long struggle, Zhu Yuanzhang said resentfully, “Flay your aunt and her accomplices. Exile the rest to Hainan.”

Lanyi looked disapproving. “Your Highness.”

He stiffened his neck. “Flaying or exile. I won’t be more lenient! I care nothing for public opinion. I care about you and the suffering you endured. Don’t trample on my devotion.”

Tears flashed in her eyes. At last, she curtsied. “Then I respectfully obey.”

Zhu Yuanzhang laughed. “Settled!”

The Magistrate relaxed.

When Madam Wu rose to leave, Prince Lu stopped her and summoned the soldiers waiting in the side hall.

He said courteously, “I will send a proposal after returning to my estate. Lanyi is alone here, which may cause people to slight her. Madam Wu is respected among official families. Please help her manage affairs tomorrow. These officers were old friends of her father. Please remain through the betrothal feast as well, so everyone knows Lanyi has people protecting her.”

Madam Wu, once alarmed by his cruelty, now marveled at his consideration. The Lin couple had gone too far. Lin Lanyi was truly fortunate: an imperial prince for a husband, no flock of concubines around him, and a handsome young man who cherished her.
Madam Wu curtsied with a smile. “Leave the matter to me, Your Highness.”

The soldiers were low-ranking officers. After seeing Prince Lu uphold justice for Lin Lanyi at Fu’an Temple, their anxiety had eased. Now an imperial prince treated them with such courtesy, leaving them both frightened and grateful.

One rank could crush a man, let alone so many.

With their status, even catching Second Madam Lin red-handed allowed them only to maneuver around her and force her to sign an IOU. Prince Lu could overturn the entire board and drag the vicious woman out for flaying.

That was the difference between junior officers and an imperial prince.

Prince Lu’s invitation ostensibly gave Lanyi supporters at her side, but it also gave them opportunity. A few unknown junior officers appearing at his betrothal feast would attract notice. Promotions might follow before they returned to camp, without Prince Lu issuing a single order. Others would handle it merely to curry favor.

They understood, and so did Lin Lanyi.

Prince Lu’s family had deep roots in Luoyang. His betrothal feast could never lack guests. He elevated these men solely for her sake.

Lanyi did not pretend ignorance. She formally bowed. “This young woman thanks Your Highness.”

The officers saluted too. “We thank Your Highness for your favor!”

“We are family. Why be so courteous?” Zhu Yuanzhang helped Lanyi rise and told the officers, “Her father died years ago, yet you still aid his orphan daughter at the risk of offending the Lin Family. Such loyalty is rare. Most friendships cool when a man dies. Your virtue therefore commands my respect.”

They answered solemnly, “Elder Brother Lin showed us great kindness. Helping his orphan daughter is our duty. We claim no merit.”

Zhu Yuanzhang retained them both to support his old wife and because he intended to use capable men.

In his own reign, imperial princes guarded the frontiers. After Old Fourth’s rebellion, later Ming emperors raised their relatives like pampered pigs: rich forever, but forbidden from military power.

Prince Lu retained eight hundred estate soldiers inherited from his father. That exceptional privilege and political capital explained his special standing among the imperial clan.

Emperor Chengzu’s legitimate sons, all born to Empress Xu, had fought bitterly late in the Yongle Era. Zhu Gaochi inherited the throne in fear and died within a year. After Emperor Xuanzong suppressed the Prince of Han’s rebellion, the court imposed stricter rules.

The late Prince Lu, Emperor Xuanzong’s full brother, wanted only pleasure, not the throne. He obediently requested a fief and supported his elder brother. Having grown up together beneath the shadow of their uncle, the Prince of Han, they shared a deep bond. Prince Lu therefore received unusual privileges, preserved to this day.

But no further. A regional prince reaching into the army was courting death.

Fortunately, this was the Zhengtong Era.

Fortunately, Great Ming had produced a miraculous emperor.

Best of all… damned Zhu Qizhen, Old Zhu would beat his brains out this time!

After settling Lin Family affairs, Zhu Yuanzhang bid Lanyi farewell and returned to prepare the proposal and betrothal gifts. Madam Wu stayed with her, while the Magistrate departed.

At the gate, Zhu Yuanzhang mounted but hesitated. Then he beckoned the Magistrate closer.

“Don’t exile those people after all,” he sighed. “Lingnan’s miasma shortens lives. If they go to Hainan, they might never return.”

The Magistrate hurriedly praised his mercy.

“Mm.” Zhu Yuanzhang accepted the compliment. “Just behead them.”

The Magistrate: “…”

Zhu Yuanzhang pointed his whip at the residence. “Don’t let the Princess Consort know. Do it quietly.”

The Magistrate: “…”

Zhu Yuanzhang exhaled in satisfaction. “Now I feel much better!”

He galloped away.